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Have you ever wondered how your money is transferred to and from your bank account without getting lost in cyberspace? To make sure your money goes where it’s supposed to, your account and your bank are given a unique set of numbers to properly identify them. And part of what makes up this numerical identification is your financial institution number.
What Is A Financial Institution Number?
A financial institution number is a three-digit number that identifies a specific bank. All banks have their own unique institution number. The financial institution number is part of the routing number, along with the five-digit transit number that identifies the bank branch.
Big Banks: Bank Institution Number
Financial institution | Code |
Bank of Montreal (BMO) | 001 |
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) | 002 |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | 010 |
National Bank of Canada (NBC) | 006 |
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) | 003 |
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank) | 004 |
Other Financial Institutions: Bank Institution Number
Alberta Treasury Branches | 219 |
Amex Bank of Canada | 303 |
B2B Bank (formerly B2B Trust) | 618 |
Bank of America, National Association | 241 |
Bank of Canada | 177 |
Bank of China (Canada) | 308 |
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Canada) | 245 |
Bank West | 342 |
Barclay’s Bank PLC Canada Branch | 360 |
BNP Paribas (Canada) | 250 |
BofA Canada Bank | 311 |
Bridgewater Bank | 347 |
Canadian Tire Bank | 338 |
Canadian Western Bank | 030 |
Capital One Bank (Canada Branch) | 323 |
CIBC Trust Corporation | 548 |
Citibank Canada | 260 |
Citibank N.A. | 328 |
Citizens Bank of Canada | 309 |
Comerica Bank | 330 |
Community Trust Company | 507 |
Concentra Financial Services Association | 853 |
CS Alterna Bank | 608 |
CTC Bank of Canada | 315 |
Deutsche Bank AG | 265 |
DirectCash Bank | 352 |
Dundee Bank of Canada | 343 |
Effort Trust Company | 532 |
Fifth Third Bank | 345 |
First Commercial Bank | 332 |
First Nations Bank of Canada | 310 |
General Bank of Canada | 344 |
Habib Canadian Bank | 321 |
HomEquity Bank | 358 |
Household Trust Company | 630 |
HSBC Bank Canada | 016 |
HSBC Bank USA National Association | 333 |
HSBC Mortgage Corporation (Canada) | 604 |
ICICI Bank Canada | 340 |
Industrial Alliance Trust Inc. | 625 |
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada) | 307 |
ING Bank of Canada | 614 |
Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. | 536 |
J.P. Morgan Bank Canada | 314 |
Jameson Bank | 354 |
JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association | 270 |
Korea Exchange Bank of Canada | 275 |
Laurentian Bank of Canada | 039 |
Laurentian Trust of Canada Inc. | 522 |
M&T Bank | 357 |
Manulife Bank of Canada | 540 |
Manulife Trust Company | 626 |
Maple Bank | 336 |
Mega International Commercial Bank (Canada) | 269 |
Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd. Canada Branch | 277 |
MonCana Bank of Canada | 361 |
Montreal Trust Company of Canada | 550 |
National Trust Company | 590 |
Pacific & Western Bank of Canada | 334 |
Peace Hills Trust Company | 568 |
Peoples Trust Company | 621 |
President’s Choice Financial | 326 |
Rabobank Nederland | 322 |
ResMor Trust Company | 620 |
Royal Bank Mortgage Corporation | 592 |
Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (Canada Branch) | 240 |
Royal Trust Company | 570 |
Royal Trust Corporation of Canada | 580 |
Scotia Mortgage Corporation | 606 |
Shinhan Bank Canada | 355 |
Société Générale (Canada Branch) | 292 |
Société Générale (Canada Branch) Ontario | 346 |
State Bank of India (Canada) Alberta | 294 |
State Street | 327 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada | 301 |
Sun Life Financial Trust Inc. | 551 |
TD Mortgage Corporation | 597 |
TD Pacific Mortgage Corporation | 603 |
The Bank of New York Mellon | 242 |
The Canada Trust Company | 509 |
The Equitable Trust Company | 623 |
The Northern Trust Company Canada Branch | 349 |
U.S. Bank National Association | 318 |
UBS AG Canada Branch | 339 |
UBS Bank (Canada) | 290 |
United Overseas Bank Limited | 335 |
Walmart Canada Bank | 359 |
Credit Unions: Bank Institution Number
Credit Union | Code |
Airline Financial Credit Union Limited | 830 |
All Trans Financial Services Credit Union Limited | 810 |
Alliance des caisses populaires de l’Ontario Limitée | 890 |
Alterna Savings and Credit Union | 842 |
Arnstein Community Credit Union Limited | 808 |
Atlantic Central | 839 |
Central 1 Credit Union British Columbia | 809 |
Central 1 Credit Union Ontario | 828 |
Communication Technologies Credit Union Limited | 807 |
Credit Union Central Alberta Limited | 899 |
Credit Union Central of Manitoba Limited | 879 |
Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan | 889 |
Dundalk District Credit Union Limited | 840 |
Goderich Community Credit Union Limited | 844 |
Golden Horseshoe Credit Union Limited | 854 |
La Confédération des Caisses Populaires et D’Économie Desjardins du Québec | 815 |
La Fédération des Caisses Populaires Acadiennes Limitée | 865 |
La Fédération des Caisses Populaires de l’Ontario Inc. | 829 |
La Fédération des caisses populaires du Manitoba Inc. | 819 |
Latvian Credit Union Limited | 803 |
Meridian Credit Union | 837 |
Ontario Civil Service Credit Union Limited | 846 |
How To Find The Financial Institution Number On A Cheque
The easiest way to find your bank’s financial institution number is to look at the bottom of your cheque. It will be the third string of numbers in the sequence of numbers at the bottom of your cheque:
The image of the cheque below illustrates the different components of your bank account number, broken down into four parts:
- First set: cheque number
- Second set: five-digit transit number (also known as your routing or branch number).
- Third set: financial institution number (every bank has a different 3-digit number)
- Fourth set: bank account number
How Do I Find A Bank Institution Number Without A Cheque?
If you don’t have cheques, you can find your financial institution number by logging into your online banking or by checking your bank statement. Otherwise, you can do a quick online search to find out what your bank’s financial institution number is. You can also find your bank institution number by simply visiting your closest bank branch and asking the teller for the number.
What Is A Bank Institution Number Used For?
In addition to identifying a specific bank, credit union, trust company or any other financial institution, a bank institution number is required when you set up your bank account for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic withdrawals.
Do note that when setting up a direct deposit or automatic withdrawal, you’ll need to provide your routing number. This number is represented through your financial institution number and the five-digit transit number that identifies the bank branch.
Additional Reading
How To Cash A Cheque Without A Bank Account
How To Close My Bank Account?
What Is A Void Cheque?
Final Thoughts
Your bank’s financial institution number ensures that the funds in your bank account can be deposited and withdrawn accurately. It’s part of a longer sequence of numbers that properly identifies your financial institution, bank branch, and bank account. Without it, you won’t be able to move your money.
Financial Institution Number FAQs
Where can you find a bank transit (branch) number?
Your bank transit number can be found at the bottom of your cheque. It is the five-digit number following the cheque number and preceding the three-digit financial institution number. You can also find your transit number through online banking. Simply log into your account and look up your direct deposit information.
Is the institution and branch number the same?
No, the branch transit number is a five-digit number that identifies your specific bank branch, while the institution number is a three-digit number that identifies the bank.
What is a routing number?
A routing transit number is used to identify a specific bank and includes the five-digit transit number and the three-digit financial institution number.
Who needs a financial institution number from me?
When you want to set up a direct deposit with your employer, you’ll need your financial institution number. Similarly, if you want to set up automatic withdrawals or a wire transfer, you’ll need to provide your financial institution number. When you apply for a loan, it’s common for your lender to request your financial institution number to set up pre-authorized debit payments.
Related
As a seasoned financial expert with a wealth of knowledge in banking and financial systems, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article and shed light on the concepts mentioned.
The article primarily revolves around the significance of a financial institution number, a crucial component in the identification process within the banking system. This unique three-digit number plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate transfer of funds to and from bank accounts.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Financial Institution Number (FIN):
- The financial institution number is a three-digit code that uniquely identifies a specific bank.
- It is an integral part of the routing number, along with the five-digit transit number that identifies the bank branch.
- All banks, including big banks and other financial institutions, have their own unique institution numbers.
-
Routing Number:
- The routing number is a combination of the financial institution number and the five-digit transit number.
- It is crucial for various financial transactions, including direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic withdrawals.
-
Big Banks and Other Financial Institutions:
- The article provides a comprehensive list of financial institution numbers for major banks such as Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and others.
- It also includes financial institution numbers for a wide range of other financial institutions, showcasing the diversity of the banking system.
-
Credit Unions:
- Credit unions, as mentioned in the article, also have their unique financial institution numbers.
- The article provides examples of credit unions and their corresponding institution numbers.
-
Locating Financial Institution Number:
- The article explains how to find the financial institution number on a cheque, where it is the third set of numbers at the bottom.
- Alternately, for those without cheques, online banking, bank statements, or a visit to the bank can help in locating this essential number.
-
Uses of Bank Institution Number:
- The financial institution number is essential for setting up bank accounts for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic withdrawals.
- When establishing direct deposits or automatic withdrawals, providing the routing number (including the financial institution number) is crucial.
-
FAQs and Additional Information:
- The article concludes with frequently asked questions and additional information, addressing topics such as the branch transit number, the distinction between institution and branch numbers, the importance of routing numbers, and situations where the financial institution number is required.
In essence, the financial institution number is a linchpin in the secure and accurate movement of funds within the banking system, and understanding its role is vital for anyone navigating financial transactions.